Community-run Bryanston blood drive makes huge difference
BRYANSTON – The Mad community-run blood drive has successfully collected just under 200 units of blood through their four drives at the Riverside Shopping Centre this year.
The Mad (Making a difference) community-led blood drive has hosted four successful drives at the Riverside Shopping Centre this year, collecting just less than 200 units of blood this year.
The drives were headed up by Gert van Zyl and his team of NRG properties who decided to host a drive in Bryanston, an area that does not have a blood bank. Van Zyl organised his drives on a Saturday following the popular Bryanston Parkrun, which finishes just opposite the shopping centre.
He has been pleased with the support and commitment of community members who donated at each drive and invited friends.
“The Riverside Shopping Centre and shops at the centre have shown us so much support, offering lucky draw prizes and a venue for each event,” he said. “They do this without expecting anything back, which is wonderful. The public who have supported us can look forward to 2018, where we will work hard to grow and make the drive more successful.”
He added that the drives were fast outgrowing the pilates studio where the drives are held. “People are becoming familiar with the drive and many have asked us for a schedule in advance.”
The last drive, which took place on 9 December, attracted 53 people, 44 of whom donated.
The South African National Blood Service (Sanbs) has been pleased with the eagerness of Van Zyl and his team to encourage communities to give to this worthwhile cause of saving lives.
Donor relations practitioner at the blood service, Gladness Saphthekge said, “What Gert is doing is out of this world. As Sanbs, we aim to collect 3 000 units of blood in South Africa every day. Gert’s drive helps us in a big way to reach our targets.
“We have received over 40 units of blood at each of his drives, with each unit saving up to three lives. We really appreciate all the effort and marketing he puts in and hope that more organisations and individuals will learn from him and do the same.”
Details: The next Mad drive will take place on 3 February next year. To donate blood, you must be over 16, weigh more than 50kg, lead a safe sex lifestyle, be in general good health and eat prior to donation. To find out more about the drive, follow M.A.D Blood Drive Bryanston on Facebook.
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